576
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.
THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.
whe
as pleased to direct the following Circular Let Government Europeans makes ces expended for the
first half year's support of the before the legislative wisdom of our native land.
ter to the address of Her Majesty's Consuls in China be published for general information.
By order,
ADAM. W. ELMSLIE. Victoria, 15th November, 1844.
The names of the donors with the amount of their several contributions will appear in the Re port at the close of the year,
plenty of overseers with them, but, they are as lazy contributed by various individuals for the erection His Excellency Her Majesty's Plenipotentias the men, and are either asleep under their um. of a school house and the support of the school ary and Superintendent of British Trade & ther the laborers work or not, unless one of the forty hine dollars and nineteen cents have been
brellas, or if awake seem perfectly
under our care. Of this sum, three hundred and
then all is bustle till he is past, when a general grin, school, two hundred and thirty dollars, have been takes place, and strike" for the next five mi paid toward the erection of the school house and nutes to make up for it, in fact the amount of the balance, ninety nine dollars and thirty seven labor performed by a coolie working on the roads cents, have been paid over to the Rev, Dr. Devan, compared with that of another of the same class the present treasures. working for a private contractor is quite con- temptible, and doubtless Governor pay as well if not better than he does, indeed a lazier or more useless set than most of those the
he overseers col- lect together cannot be conceived, and I have seen many of them getting tickets who were physically incompetent to do a day's work. The stone cut ters have also their own peculiar mode of killing time, but in fact the point striven for with them all those having authority over these things see what 18 the minimum of labor to be performed. Could is easily noticed by others, they would doubtless have them done in a juster manner, but as already mentioned the moment they make their appearance ENGLAND till their departure, all is cut and come again and work goes on a pace,
Circular No. 19.
Victoria Hongkong, 14th Nov., 1844. Gentlemen, Having learned that inconvenience has been experienced at Canton from the circunstance of a Ship, which had already paid her Tonna- ge dues at a previous port in China, not having This fact daly noted on her Grand Chop, I have to request that yow will impress on the Supe rintendent of Customs the necessity for this formality, and not receive the Grand Chop of a Ship which clears out for another Port in
without its being observed, add Chither duties have been paid oh any portion
of the Cargo re-exported, this circumstance should also be noted by the Superintendent of Customs, and he should not omit to specify the particulars of the goods which have paid duty, The necessity for the latter precaution is sug. gested by the information conveyed to me in the following extract of a despatch from Mr. Consul Macgregor.⠀⠀
W. DEAN, Ex-Treasur.
apology for again opening up the subject, it is one which directly or indirectly has an influence must not be allowed to rest until it is brought over the welfare of us all, and one which
We would be rejoiced to hear that, His Excel- lency and Council, would cheerfully co-operate with the inhabitants of Hongkong in the at tempt to break the bonds, which tie down the efforts of a young settlement, to struggle into the active existence, of a British commer- cial colony. Personally unacquainted with these Gentlemen, or their sentiments upon the exist
J. LEWIS SHUCK, Superintendenting state of affairs, we yet confidently anticipate Hongkong, 1st Novebher, 1844.
that their aid will not wanting, when the question is brought before the notice of Her Majesty's government. From the energetic manner in which they are carrying on the much called for internal improvements, we judge that once fully impressed with the desirableness
NOTICE.
New advertisements, will be received, until 4 Clock, on the evenings previous to publi- cation, viz: Tuesdays and Fridays," Paul
UNITED STATĖS CALCUTTA BOMBAT
MADHAR
BATAVIA
Would it not be well then Sir for Government to place some sepoys, or other natives of India, if YDNEY Europeans may not be had, along the various lines of road to see that something like a reasonable. daily amount of labor is executed, and I am certain that any extra pay to them on this account would be more than saved by the increase of labor per. formed if the improvement are being done by contract it is of course of less moment to us, as far as expense is concerned, whether they work fast or
a
"It is objected by the Hoppo that Vessels " from the Northern Ports, instead of procee-slow but I oh I doubt it, for I never faw & Chinos ding direct to Whampoa, call continually at man allow a person to work for him as those do Hongkong and remain there for the purpose who are engaged on the roads.-I am Sir of loading or discharging goods, and that the
obedient Servant, "practice is liable to serious abuse, such as the
VIATOR. "exchange of the Merchandize for other which
may not have paid duty."
It is clear that the multiplication to any extent of this descrption of fraud must tend ultimately to the limitation, and perhaps final abrogation, of the privileges so recently obtai- ned.
I have the honor &c. &c.
(Signed). J. F. DAVIS. True Copy, ADAM W. ELMSLIE.
Her Britanic Majesty's Consuls in China,
NOTIFICATION.
WITH reference to the Notification publish ed in the Friend of China on the 14th of
Victoria, 11th November, 1844.
your
SIR-I notice with much pleasure in your valuable columns that suggestions have been made by Captain Cleverly of the Wm. Hughes" for erection of a beacon on the North Laud at the entrance of the Yeng-sze-kiang.
I trust this mater by the notice of our Consuls &c, &c., will be sufficiently brought before the Chinese, not only showing them the utility, but the absolute, obligation they lie under, to render their ports as easy of ingress and egress as possible The merchants, in China think but little of the port charges on their vessels, as amongst their princely transactions they form a mere dagatelle in their ship expences, the same with merchants in England who pay, but a trade opening and en: but they bear hard upon a trade opening (and ca
LATEST DATES.
Oct. Aug. 8 SINGAPORE
19 July
1 MANILA
Oct 15 CHUSAN Oct. 8 SHANGHAI Oct. 4 Foo.know-700 Oct. 8 ANDY: * Oct. 25
Oct. 2 Sept. 10 July 17
Sept, 4
THE FRIEND OF CHINA, AND HONGKONG GAZETTE
VICTORIA, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER, 16г# 1844;
NOTICE The Mail for England via Singapore and Bom bay per clipper Mor," will close this day Saturday, 16th
instant at.4 P. M.
Post Office, Victoria, 15th November, 1844:
C
We deeply, regret to announce the death of Capt. Thomas Maitland Edwards, Assistant Adjutant General to the Forces in China.
This lamented Officer was universally esteemed by all who knew him, and his loss, we are assured will be long felt, as well by those professionally connected with him, as by the general circle of friends and acquaintances, from whom he has been thus anddenly snatched in the prime of manhood and spring tide of hope.
CANTON.
Letters dated the 13th, represent the market as being unusually dull for this season of the year, The heavy stock of teas in England,and the uncertainty of the consumption's being in
the absolute necessity for an abrogation of several clauses of the Supplementary treaty they would say with us-let it be done, but let it be done honourably. We would urge upon them, an attentive perusal of all the proclamations, ordinances &c. &c., which have been passed since Hongkong was officially de- clared a British colony in our columns of the
30th of June 1843. Prudent men do not form their opinions either of individual character, or of important questions affecting the prosperity of a community hurriedly; it may be also that, the establishing of the various branches of the pu blic service, which they control, has drawn so largely on the attention, of the acute minds
of some of those Gentlemen, who have now. seats at the Legislative board that they have not yet had leisure to enquire fully into the present state of the colony, or the causes, which deprives a free port, favorable situated for com- merce, of all trade further than the tranship- ping of goods, and a supply of articles for local consumption, the commissions upon the whole amount of which, would barely pay the expen ces of a first class mercantile establishment. We would now draw the attention, of members of the Legislative Council, to one or two por tions of this treaty, which we think will bear out our assertion, that the Chinese Authorities have a complete control over the prosperity of Hongkong; and that until the power, which now exercises such a malign influence, is des troyed, this colony cannot prosper.
We premise our observations upon the 13th and 14th articles of the Supplementary treaty by reminding our readers, of the jealousy of
Chinese Inhabitants of Hongkong will be per, on the Coast. In all parts of the world (I believe) for some time, makes Merchants cautious in knowledge, and of foreign arms--at the very the port charges on a vessell are loved at simply purchasing. The teamen are also unreasona-threshold of the capital of the southern portion as en China a bonus for promissio asentable in their demands, preferring shipping to
mitted from this date to remain out at night until 11 2. M.; but it is indispensable that they
to render the port as facile and safe as possible. carry with them a large lanthern and light.
Taking into account that scarcely a vessel had By Order,
yet gone to Shanghai, without grounding and se veral total losses taken place, it would have been Chief Magistrate of Police cheaper for the merchants and Insurers to have Police Office,
built beacons &c. at their own expence and thus Victoria 8th Nov,, 1844,
saved the particular, and general averages and los ses by a very small outlay.
W. CAINE.
This has of course a considera.
of the empire, they have been compelled to England on their own account, to reducing the cede to a foreign power, in island insigni- present rates. ble influence on the demand for manufactured ificant in itself, but from its position, enabl
ing that foreign power, to command the goods, and the market for every description
navigation of the Canton river, and even to is represented as languid. The teas now being shipped on Chinese account, will proba: hold the city of Canton itself, a guarantee ably be forced into the market, and for a time of the good faith of the Celestial go. 1 am far from selfish in this matter as a few years reduce the very low quotations by the last mail.munity of western barbarians is gall to the vernment. The prosperity of that small com.
NOTICE is hereby given, that Bills drawn by \ has acquainted me with most of its features, but Itories has been commenced, and it is said se. / bigoted rulers of China, who dread a free in- hard work and experience on the coast of China The wall which is to surround the new fac-
:
GOVERNMENT BILLS.
His Excellency the Governor on the Supreme
Government of India, and by the undersigned on the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, can be obtained at this Office until further notice, on written applications in the usual form; and that the rates of Exchange fixed for the present month (November) are the following viz: BILLS ON CALCUTTA, Two hundred and twenty
(230) Company's Rupees for One hundred (100) Mexican Dollars, and
to
can assure you, Sir, that many thousand dollars owners of property, and many sleepless and an xious hours to others considering their responsibility property would be saved by the following simple measures viz
The British community of Canton have also
tercourse, between their own servile and igno- veral firms intend building immediately. In rant people, and the intelligence of those, who the neighbourhood all is quiet.
were happily brought into being under a milder memorialized His Excellency and Council on sway, and have been educated in the knowled the Registration question. The memorial, andge of those valuable privileges to which Erection of a beacon or a floating light vessel His Excellency's reply, through the Consulat / every man is entitled,as a member of the social on or near the North Land, Yang-tze-kiang... safe of entree by erection of plain beacons for lead cannot avoid expressing our deep regret that, the Chinese Government, fear the influence of The Min River may be rendered comparatively Canton, appear in our paper of to-day. We community, which forms itself into a govern- ment,whether republican or monarchical, That
BILLS ON LONDON, Forty nine pence, (49d.)ing and thwart marks on the adjacent Islands and a more courteous acknowledgment was not European education, and' intelligence, is suffi--
made to the memorialists. With every points.
desire to respect the representative of our Graciently proven, by their whole line of conduct cious Queen, we submit that, in replying to the memorial of a community of Gentlemen, of equal standing with His Excellency, in his private capacity, an equally dignified, but more appropriate tone might have been assumed.
Sterling for one Mexican Dollar, the value payable in Mexican Dollars or Rupees at the option of the purchaser,
WITH
EDWARD PINE COFFIN, C. G. Commissariat Victoria, 1st November, 1844.
WITH reference to the Advertisement from this Office dated 25th ultimo insting Tenders for building two Ranges of Barracks mear the East Battery Notice is hereby given that none of the Tenders were approved of, and that Tenders for the performance of the same work will conti. nue to be received until the 23rd. Instant at noon under the conditions formerly announced,
Commissariat Office 15th Nov., 1844.
ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.
(To the Editor of the Friend of China.) SIR-Every friend of the colony must rejoice at the spirited manner in which the various improve ments of road making draining &c., fc, are being
carried on in all directions.
I am told however that these are not done by contract & if so, they are likely to turn out very expensive from the following circumstance viz: the slow careless manner in which the men work, and the consequently small amount of labor per- formed by the in individually per day.
tion of them, having an opportunity of daily wit I allude more especially to the road making por nessing several gangs of them at work.
12.
Ningpo River (as a secondary consideration) by a beacon on the Island or Rocks in the clear entance north of the Lieangles.
Amoy, by a conspicuous beacon on the rock or the right of the entrance of the outer has hour, and especially by an ostensible beacon or light-house or Chapel Island.
Hongkong, by a ditto on the Island of Waglan. for the Ly-lee-moon passage.
Lights will be objected to on the score ofexpence, The sites of beacons might he improved by sugges tions of men more acquainted, or more experienced but I feel confident, Mr. Editor, that measures of this kind are now absolutely necessary and that practical men would gladly bear part of the ex pence, if the matter cannot be brought to its pro- per bearing on the truly responsible parties viz the I can assure you that although caring less about this than many, I alone have paid in eighteen months more than sufficient (in port charges) to erect the beacons I have proposed (except in the Yangtze Kiang) and they alone with sufficient publicity would have saved severe losses.
Chinese.
for two hundred years; and if it is true that the guns of a British fleet, and the bayonets of a assent to the residence of foreigners at five of British army, wrung from them an unwilling their ports, and permission for the inhabitanta of these "ports to have a direct commerce with Hongkong, it is also true that, every obstacle of those It is now thirteen months, since the supple has been thrown in the way mentary treaty regulating our commercial ope. who have settled at the new ports, and the rations with China, was signed by their Ex-Chinese inhabitants are prohibited from visiting cellencies Sir Henry Pottinger, as representa Hongkong, by virtue of powers placed in the tive of H. M. the Queen of Great Britain, and by hands of the local Mandarins, by the British Keying as representative of the Emperor of Plenipotentiary in his treaty with Keying. China. By this treaty the Chinese inhabitants The 13th article stipulates that, natives of of the five ports of Canton, Amoy, Foo-chow. China who may wish to convey goods to for, Ningpo and Shanghai are permitted to Hongkong for sale shall be at liberty to do so, visit the port of Hongkong for commercial pur- on obtaining a pass at the Chinese custom house poses. Such at least is the general impression, of one of the five ports. This part of the treaty and a mere glance at this treaty will lead to enables the Chinese Authorities, to provent all the conclusion that such is really the case-but intercourse between their countrymen and we deny that the Chinese at the ports we have Hongkong; by refusing to issue these passes, but named have the privilege of trading with to give them a more complete control in this This matter, Sir, is I think worth the attention Hongkong A cunningly drawn up doca. respect, the 14th article stipulate that, an of our Consuls &c. at the different ports certainly ment, which displays penetration, foresight, and English officer will be appointed at Hongkong. much more so, than the appointing (and rendering experience on the part of one of the contrac one part of whose duty it will be, to examine compulsory the taking or paying) a class of pilots tors, and reckless: indifference to the commer. these passes, and if any vessels should arrive who are known merely by the Consuls licence cial interests of this colony on the part of the without one she is not to be allowed to trade, and by the certificates of different masters of other contractor, has virtually placed the pros and information of the circumstance, must be vessels, which licence and certificate are passed once. In a few months alone I have seen four or from hand to hand as it suits the pilots convesi-perity of Hongkong in the hands of the Chine- lodged with the Chinese Authorities. This is se Authorities. We will not accuse Her one of the most beautiful pieces of celestial poor five different men bearing the same consuls pilot Majesty's representative of having been in- cunning that is on record. Not only did certificate, with my own indorsement of capability duced to conclude this treaty through any im- Sir Henry Pottinger agree that no Chinese on it, although given by me to one man only, and proper motives we give him the full benefit vessel should visit the free port of Hongkong generally they are more calculated to lead a vessel of the plea of ignorance on subjects connected without a special permit-which permits were into trouble than to assist her.
with commerce; and are willing to offer our to be issued for each voyage, and a refusal of
time. I remain Dear Sir yours truly,
Apologizing for intruding on your valuable testimony that it was to his lack of personal them at once stops all native merchants from knowledge, and abundant stock of pride which coming here either to buy or sell-but he fur- PRACTICO would not stoop to consult with those who ther agreed that, an English officer should be bad the required knowledge, that all the in-appointed whose duty it should be to assist in firmities, of this singularly unfortunate national strangling the young commerce of Hongkong, The evil influences of this treaty is now an old ter the harbour without a pass and handing compact of commerge, are to be ascribed. by seizing any inoffensive junk that, should en- subject, but it is one that cannot be too often the crew over to the Mandarins at Cowloon, impressed upon our readers, at least until who if they could not purchase their acquital, the colony is relieved of the shackles which would torture them after the cruel custom of the treaty has laid upon it and, she is, what she China. This is no exaggerated view of the is destined to be, one of the great commercial question; it is not many months since a junk, imporiums of the east. We need not offer any without a pass, was captured in this bay, and
Their system is, to go dawdling along with a few pounds, I had almost, and with truth in many instances, said ounces of earth in their baskets, and having thrown this out, they saunter back again as slowly as they possibly can prevail on Were even this kept up themselves to walk. throughout the day, some little appreciable work would be done by each,but almost invariably as soug as their baskets are emptied they sit down in knots Nors. Practice, displays much good sense in and chat away for some ten to fifteen minutes, or his letter, and we trust his suggestions will not they stop and talk with each other as they meet on their way back. If carrying a stone, some 8 a15 bear slowly along a piece of 50 a 100 lbs. which they get down even and anon and gossip over, and in twenty other ways manage to shirk their duty, and I speak within bounds where I say that dozen on dozen of them do not perform dur ing the day three hours proper labur. There are
escape the observation of His Excellency; who. we fear, in negotiating with China, will require to undo, much that has been done badly by his pre decessor.
EDITOR F. Or C.
DEAR SIR-Allow us to acknowledge through the columns of your paper, the receipt of six hundred and seventy eight dollars, and fifty six cents, as